Thursday, February 18, 2016

World News Briefs -- February 18, 2016



Reuters: Pope says Trump 'not Christian' in views, plans over immigration

U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is "not Christian" because of his views on immigration, Pope Francis said on his way back to Rome from Mexico.

The pope said, however, he did not want to advise American Catholics on whether or not to vote for Trump.

In a freewheeling conversation with reporters on his flight back from a visit to Mexico, Francis was asked about Trump and some of his statements, such as vowing to build a wall between the United States and Mexico if he becomes president.

"A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian," Francis said in answer to a specific question about Trump's views. "This is not in the gospel."

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Hundreds of armed rebels cross from Turkey into Syria, says monitor.

Moscow warns against introduction of no-fly zone in Syria.

IS Camp Speicher massacre: Iraq sentences 40 to death.

‘Probably chlorine’: ISIS used chemical mortar shells against Kurdish troops in Iraq – report.

Civilians killed in air strikes in Iraq's Anbar.

Turkey vows to stop Kurdish militia gaining border foothold.

Turkey blames Kurdish rebels, Syria for Ankara attack. Turkey blames Syria's YPG group for Ankara bombing. Turkey says Kurds in Syria responsible for Ankara car bomb.

Turkey launches airstrikes hours after Ankara explosion.

Iran election campaign kicks off as reformers seek comeback.

ASIA

South Korea mulls next steps against nuclear-armed North.

Seoul's spy service says North Korea is preparing attacks.

Pakistani Taliban kills security forces in twin attacks.

Pakistan, with 324 executions in 2015, ranks third worldwide: report.

U.S. and EU warn China on need to respect South China Sea ruling.

Red Cross halts operations in Afghan province after staff taken.

India orders universities to display large flags after protests.

AFRICA

Libya's North African neighbors brace for any Western strikes.

Opposition leader arrested as Uganda holds elections. Ugandans cast votes in presidential elections after lengthy delays.

Uganda election: Facebook and Whatsapp blocked.

Fighting at U.N. compound in South Sudan kills five: U.N. mission.

Al-Shabab intelligence chief killed: Kenyan army.

Boko Haram bombs cut 3 million Nigerians from outside world.

Egypt struggles to get subsidized food to poor amid dollar crisis.

Ghana bus crash near Kintampo kills at least 71.

EUROPE

EU starts 'now or never' summit to clinch deal for Britain.

EU leaders to discuss Turkey, 'Plan B' at migration dinner.

Desperate Sweden is forced to hire luxury cruise liner with theatre, gym and swimming pool to house 2,000 refugees at a cost of £65,000 A DAY.

Another Ukrainian party quits ruling coalition.

Ukraine says 'fully ready' for court battle with Russia.

Faith in defending the Motherland: Russians trust military to protect the nation, poll shows.

Lech Walesa 'was paid Communist informant'. Poland's Walesa says will defend himself in court against new communist spy allegations.

AMERICAS

Obama to visit Cuba, just eight months after embassy reopens in Havana.

Trump says ‘torture works,’ backs waterboarding and ‘much worse’.

At Mexico-U.S. border, Pope decries suffering of migrants.

S&P cuts Brazil deeper into junk territory in blow to Rousseff.

Venezuela president raises fuel price by 6,000% and devalues bolivar to tackle crisis. Petrol pump pain: Venezuelan gasoline prices jump 6,000%.

U.S. adds visa restrictions to Yemen, Somalia, Libya travelers.

Hollywood hospital pays ransom to hackers.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Islamic State finds 'diminishing returns' on Twitter: report.

Pentagon chief: We watch ISIS's chemical weapons capability 'very closely'.

Kerry enlists Hollywood's help to counter ISIS's messaging.

Lawyer for suspect in USS Cole bombing foresees appeal in 2024.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Oil price rises after Iraq says supply talks will continue - as it happened.

OECD: Urgent action needed to boost flagging global growth.

Apple order: White House says San Bernardino request is limited.

1 comment:

Bob Huntley said...

"A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian," Francis said in answer to a specific question about Trump's views. "This is not in the gospel."

The pope said, however, he did not want to advise American Catholics on whether or not to vote for Trump.

And yet he just did.

I wonder if there is a wall or a bridge between Heaven and Hell.